The recent heatwave in the United Kingdom has allowed people to enjoy the sunshine. With temperatures rising into the high-30s to early 40s, the warm weather shows no signs of cooling down. This can have a major impact on a loved one who’s living with dementia as it can pose some challenges for people supporting them during the extremely hot weather.
Hot weather can cause heat-related illnesses for people with dementia, such as heat stroke and dehydration. It can be easy for your loved one to forget to drink enough water, as well as dress appropriately. By having the protective measures in place, it’ll ensure that they are kept cool during the heatwave.
Sova Healthcare’s specialist dementia care service can ensure that your loved one stays cool at home during the summer. A dementia carer will be on hand to make sure that your loved one not only drinks plenty of fluids, but also dresses and cares for them.
Our latest piece has some tips to help keep your loved one cool, comfortable and hydrated during this spell of hot weather.
How does hot weather affect your loved one with dementia?
Hot weather can have a significant impact on your loved one who has dementia or other related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s Disease. They may not be able to know when they need to drink fluids or dress for different weather conditions, putting them at risk of heat stress (also known as hyperthermia).
Older adults are more likely to have a chronic medical condition, which means that they respond differently to hot weather. If your loved one takes medications and has problems with their body circulation, it can make it difficult to regulate their body temperature. It means that they’re at risk of getting heat stroke as their body is unable to cool itself down.
Our Alzheimer’s Care service can help your loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease stay cool during this spell of extremely warm weather. A specialist Alzheimer’s carer will be on hand to make sure that your loved one is supported while keeping them comfortable in the summery conditions.
What tips can you take to help keep a person with dementia cool during the warm weather?
There are plenty of things that you can do to keep your loved one with dementia protected from the rising weather temperatures. We’ve listed a couple of tips to ensure they stay cool, comfortable and hydrated in extremely warm weather.
Make sure they’re dressed appropriately
Your loved one with dementia may forget to dress for the hot conditions, which puts them at risk of having heat-related illnesses. Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes will help keep your loved one cool from the extremely warm weather. If they are going outside with you, having a hat will protect their head from getting burnt by the sun.
Provide plenty of fluids to keep them hydrated
It’s important in this extremely hot weather that you provide plenty of fluids for your loved one to stay hydrated. Setting reminders, such as leaving notes around the house or leaving a jug or glass of water within easy reach can make it easier for your loved one to drink more fluids during the day.
Ask friends and neighbours to check in with your loved one
Supporting your loved one with dementia during the hot weather while managing a full-time job can be difficult. If you don’t live near them then it’s worth asking friends or neighbours to check in to make sure that they’re okay. They can be able to make sure that they have everything that they need, as well as have a refreshing drink with them.
Avoid going out on the hottest times of the day
We’re all advised to stay out of the sun during the hottest times of the day. It’s even more important for your loved one with dementia to not go out between 11:00am and 3:00pm. If you find that your loved one wants to go outside, then stay in the shade with them and remember to apply sunscreen.
How Sova Healthcare Can Help Your Loved One With Dementia During The Hot Weather
Dementia and hot weather can pose many challenges for people who are supporting a loved one from afar. If you find yourself unable to care for them, Sova Healthcare’s team of specialist dementia carers can help ensure your loved one stays cool, comfortable and hydrated both indoors and outdoors.
Sova’s live-in care service is a great alternative to care homes, which means that your loved one will receive high quality support from our experienced carers. They will be able to keep them cool and hydrated while making sure that they’re protected from the dangers of the hot weather .
For any questions about how we can keep your loved one with dementia cool during the hot weather, you can speak to our team of advisors today.